Gordon Graham
Category: Law Enforcement
Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Today’s Tip is for my friends in law enforcement.
Police flashlights have come a long way. Back when I was patrolling, flashlights were big, heavy, and not easy to use while holding a firearm.
Never use your flashlight as a substitute for your pistol.
Today’s police flashlights are much smaller and brighter. Some can even be mounted directly on a firearm. A weapon-mounted light can be an absolute lifesaver in a dimly lit, dangerous situation. It allows you to see your target while still maintaining a two-handed grip. However, these lights can also be dangerous when not used properly.
Even with a light mounted on your firearm, the universal rules of gun safety still apply. This includes never pointing a firearm at anything you’re not willing to shoot. The whole point of a gun-mounted light is that the light beam follows the muzzle. But think about it, folks. Illuminating someone with your weapon-mounted light is only appropriate if pointing your firearm at them is also legally justified.
It’s unfortunate, but we know that unintentional discharges happen. This can be especially true in high-stress situations. It would be tragic if you used your firearm-mounted light to see someone or something better but ended up unintentionally shooting a person in the process.
To prevent this from happening, make sure you also carry a hand-held flashlight with you at all times. Use this light, not the one on your gun, whenever you simply need to see something a little better.
You’d never use your flashlight as a substitute for your pistol. So don’t use your pistol when you should only be using your flashlight.
And that’s Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Until next time, Gordon Graham signing off.
